An older book, but a very thorough look at the history of the Ojibwa in Ontario - how they came to settle and move into the former Huron lands, their dominant position vis a vis the Iroquois in Ontario and the north east in general, their role in various conflicts (1812, WWI, WWII). He also looks at how the government, settlers and Indian Department failed to honour agreements, maintain reserve lands, administer band land and finances to the tribe' advantage. It is obvious, when you read of Ojibwa being moved off farms they had cleared and settled, that the talk of integrating natives into the white man's world was meaningless. There are also many examples of Indian Affairs refusing to invest the bands' own money in projects that would have helped economic development, especially when there was the possibility of competing with white businesses. The primary attitude and motivation all along on the part of whites has been greed - greed for the native's land, and for any money or economic benefits coming from that land.
The book follows the history up to the 90's and traces the gradual development after WWII of Native activism and a stronger voice in insisting on treaty rights and self-determination.
This chronicle of the willful robbery of their property and wealth guaranteed by treaty rights over the many decades highlights why Natives need a new deal, as well as vast amounts of cash recompense.
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